CVE-2025-20929
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting an out-of-bounds write when parsing JPEG images in Samsung Notes. Attackers can achieve remote code execution on affected devices. Only Samsung Notes users with versions prior to 4.4.26.71 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Notes
📦 What is this software?
Notes by Samsung
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with attacker gaining full control over the device, accessing sensitive data, and establishing persistence.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to data theft, surveillance capabilities, or installation of additional malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and security controls preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious JPEG file. Exploitation requires bypassing ASLR/DEP protections.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.4.26.71 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2025&month=03
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. 2. Search for Samsung Notes. 3. Update to version 4.4.26.71 or later. 4. For Windows version, update through Microsoft Store or Samsung Update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic image loading
allConfigure Samsung Notes to not automatically load or preview images from untrusted sources.
Use alternative note applications
allTemporarily use other note-taking applications until patch is applied.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict Samsung Notes to trusted users only
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of malicious code
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Samsung Notes version in app settings. If version is below 4.4.26.71, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Android: Settings > Apps > Samsung Notes > App info. Windows: Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Samsung Notes.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm Samsung Notes version is 4.4.26.71 or higher in app settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Samsung Notes crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected process creation from Samsung Notes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Samsung Notes process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"Samsung Notes" AND (event_type:crash OR parent_process:"Samsung Notes")